[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by Ohio Enthusiast

I'm always one to plan ahead, and am thinking about the next car after my BRZ. Having come from a FWD hot hatch to a RWD coupe, I don't see too many options to really improve on my driving experience. This is especially true as modern cars are more and more muted.

I've been thinking of an older car that will also serve as a project car (might replace the BRZ, might join it), and a Series 2 Lotus Elise piqued my interest. Question is, how do I get a test drive on one to know if I like it? They are not sold as new, are pretty rare and I doubt I'd see a used one in a dealership in my area. I can only imagine the situation getting worse in the years to come or for older/rarer cars.

I'm also considering a 987 Cayman or a 996 911 (which do pop up occasional at dealers around here) and an MR2 Spyder (not as bad as the Elise, but rarer than the Porsches).

How do people test drive these (and older) cars? I'd hate to wait until a local car's on sale only to test drive it without intention of buying it. I know Turo might be an option (specifically has a couple of Exiges, but nothing close by). Am I missing anything?

BTW, for the more mundane cars that I think of getting used in the future I test drive new cars in the dealership a few years ahead of the purchase. So if I know I'll be in the market in a couple of years for a 2-3 years old SUV I'll test drive the options today, write down my impressions (I love spreadsheets) and will be ready to shop in 2 years time.

Find a local group of enthusiasts who you both trust and trust you. With enough trust, they'll happily allow you to drive their cars and even push it within your limits. Don't be shy about returning the favor. If you're not comfortable handing over your keys, don't expect them to be comfortable handing over theirs.